but long after

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but long after" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something occurs a significant time after a previous event or situation. Example: "The storm had passed, but long after, the streets were still flooded."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But long after he had become a multibillionaire he provoked controversy among the board members of one of his companies by seeking reimbursement for his expenses — including the use of his private plane — and compensation for his service as chairman.

The New Yorker

But long after I am done, my story will be told".

Independent

But, long after he had retired, the sport he loved also killed him.

The Guardian - Sport

But long after the food and flowers are gone, the calacas keep turning up.

The New York Times - Travel

But long after the numbers have been forgotten the films themselves will be remembered.

The Guardian - Film

But long after they'd stopped battling one another, the city's police kept whaling on them.

The New York Times - Books

But long after they finished their dessert of poached pears and blueberry pie, they lingered at the table to chat.

The New York Times

But long after that goal was met, the housing lobby barred almost all efforts to rein them in.

The Economist

Changes in SAXS intensity were used to infer nanoscale void formation, which occurred immediately after necking at RT but long after necking at 650 °C.

Acta Materialia

Modern prejudice dismisses Latin as a tongue of privilege, but long after the fall of Rome it was treasured.

The Guardian - Arts

But long after the game started, hundreds were still outside, in line at the ticket window, awaiting a resolution that few imagined could satisfy them.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but long after" to clearly establish a sequence of events where a noticeable time gap exists between them. This helps create a sense of delayed consequence or lasting impact.

Common error

Avoid using "but long after" when events occur immediately or in very quick succession. This phrase emphasizes a significant time lapse, and using it inappropriately can confuse your reader about the actual timeline.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but long after" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, connecting two clauses and indicating a temporal relationship where the second event occurs significantly later than the first. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It serves to introduce a consequence or a related event that is delayed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but long after" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves as a conjunctive adverbial, linking events with a significant time lapse. As Ludwig AI states, the expression is correct. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, its neutral register makes it versatile for diverse writing styles. Remember to use "but long after" to emphasize lasting impacts and avoid it in situations involving close successions. Alternatives such as ""but much later"" and ""but well after"" can provide similar meaning with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but much later

Emphasizes a significant delay or a considerable time difference.

but well after

Highlights that the subsequent event happened noticeably later.

but considerably later

Indicates a substantial amount of time passed between the two events.

yet some time afterwards

Suggests a period of time had passed before the next event occurred.

though eventually

Focuses on the eventual occurrence of the second event after an unspecified duration.

however, in the aftermath

Highlights the consequences or events that followed a primary event after a period of time.

subsequently, though delayed

Conveys the idea that something happened as a result of an earlier event, but not immediately.

in due course, yet tardily

Implies that the second event happened at the appropriate time but with some lateness.

after a significant duration however

Highlights passage of significant time.

though belatedly

Stresses the tardiness of the occurrence after an initial event or period.

FAQs

How can I use "but long after" in a sentence?

Use "but long after" to indicate that something occurred a significant time after a previous event or situation. For example: "The celebration ended, "but long after" the guests had left, the memories lingered."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "but long after"?

Similar phrases include "but much later", "but well after", or "considerably later". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey regarding the time difference.

Is it always necessary to include "but" before "long after"?

While not strictly grammatically required, including "but" before "long after" often provides a smoother transition and emphasizes the contrast between the initial event and its delayed aftermath. Consider the flow and emphasis you want to achieve in your writing.

Can "but long after" be used to describe emotional impacts?

Yes, "but long after" can effectively describe the lingering emotional or psychological impacts of an event. For example: "The crisis subsided, "but long after", the trauma remained with those affected."